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Snohomish County, WA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Governing code
2021 WA WUI Code (RCW 19.27.560)
Effective
Statewide July 1, 2023
Applies to
High/very-high hazard parcels
Driveway trigger
Wall >150 ft from access road
Ask
Snohomish County Fire Marshal

Summary

Snohomish County has no single 'clear your brush' ordinance countywide, but the 2021 Washington Wildland-Urban Interface Code applies to new commercial and residential permits on parcels mapped high or very-high wildfire hazard, requiring ignition-resistant construction and driveway/access standards.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Snohomish County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

All counties, cities, and towns issuing commercial and residential building permits for parcels in areas identified as high hazard and very high hazard on the map required by subsection (1) of this section or adopted according to subsection (4) of this section shall apply the code enumerated in subsections (1) or (2) of this section.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Vegetation clearance is governed through Washington's Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code, effective statewide July 1, 2023, adopted under RCW 19.27.560. Counties, cities, and towns issuing building permits for parcels identified as high or very-high hazard on the wildfire risk map must apply class-1 ignition-resistant construction and access requirements. Driveways are required where any part of the first-story exterior wall is more than 150 feet from a fire apparatus access road, with turnarounds beyond 300 feet. Broader defensible-space vegetation provisions apply only where a jurisdiction adopts additional portions of the International WUI Code. For a specific parcel, contact the Snohomish County Fire Marshal.

Violations & Fines

Non-compliance is enforced through the building-permit process for parcels in mapped high and very-high wildfire hazard areas; permits will not be issued until WUI requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Snohomish County require me to clear brush around my house?
There is no blanket county brush-clearing rule. Wildfire defensible-space and ignition-resistant requirements apply through the WUI Code when you build or substantially alter on a parcel mapped high or very-high wildfire hazard.
What triggers wildfire construction rules?
Issuing a commercial or residential building permit on a parcel identified as high hazard or very high hazard on the state or local wildfire risk map triggers the WUI Code's class-1 ignition-resistant standards.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Snohomish County

Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsWildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsPropane StorageSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Snohomish County rules

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